HOUSE

No. 3567

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SPECIAL REPORT

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

RELATIVE TO

THE ADVISABILITY OF PEESEEVING THE WET-
LANDS, SO CALLED, OF THE NEPONSET EIVEE
VALLEY FOE CEETAIN PUEPOSES

Under Chapter 21 of the Resolves of 1963.

January, 1964

Mi

BOSTON

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., LEGISLATIVE PRINTERS

32 DERNE STREET

1964

C&e Commontoealtl) of sspa&sacfmsettsi

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

Department of Natural Resources,
15 Ashburton Place, Boston 8, January 29, 1964.

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives.

Under chapter 21 of the Resolves of 1963, the Department of
Natural Resources, hereinafter referred tc as the " Department",
was authorized and directed to make a study of the Neponset River
Valley, for the purpose of determining the advisability of preserving
the wetlands, so called, including swamps and marshlands in said
Valley, for conservation, recreation, or other necessary and desirable
purposes. Said Department is to file the results cf their study,
together with recommendations, with the Clerk of the House of
Representatives, on or before January 29, 1964. The resolve in
question reads as follows:

Resolved, That the Department of Natural Resources is hereby authorized and
directed to make a study of the Neponset River Valley for the purpose of deter-
mining the advisability of preserving the wetlands, so called, including swamps
and marshlands in said Valley, for conservation, recreation, or other necessary and
desirable purposes. Said Department shall consult with the appropriate officers
and boards of the municipalities and the counties affected — may hold public
hearings — and may expend for engineering, technical and clerical assistance and
other expenses, such sums as may be appropriated therefor. It shall report from
time to time to the general court the results of its study, together with its recom-
mendations, if any, together with drafts of legislation necessary to carry such
recommendations into effect, and estimated costs thereof, by filing the same with
the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and shall file its final report on or before
the last Wednesday of January, nineteen hundred and sixty-four.

No sum was appropriated for this study. We enclose the report of
the study, recommendations, and a draft of legislation which would
serve to put these recommecdations into effect.

Respectfully submitted,

CHARLES H. W. FOSTER,

Commissioner,
Departmert of Natural Resources.

HOUSE CHAP. 21

Ci)e Commontoealti) of sgaggacfmsettg

REPORT

OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

STUDY OF THE WETLANDS OF THE

NEPONSET RIVER VALLEY

January 29, 1964

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
DIVISION OF PLANNING

DRAINAGE BASINS
OF MASSACHUSETTS

-

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY.

The Department of Natural Resources was duly authorized and
directed to do a study of the advisability of preserving the wetlands,
so called, of the Neponset River.

The construction of Interstate 95, the straightening, deepening
and widening of the Neponset River, the problems of increased in-
dustrial ana residential development, demand for recreation areas
and for open space, were the major censideratiens connected with
the wetlands of the Neponset River.

The tidal lands, the Fowl Meadow and the uplands, although
interrelated, were treated separately wherever possible.

An attempt was made to develop regional recommendations, as
the problems of the Neponset River are regional in character.
Recommendations were separated by town, region and common-
wealth concerns, where it seemed advisable.

Study Methods.

The following methods were used to gather as much information
as possible on the Neponset River drainage area in the time allowed
for the study.

Public Meetings.

A series of three meetings were held with local interests within the
Neponset River Basin Ad Hoc Commission (League of Women
Voters), conservation commissions of Milton, Dedham, Sharon,
Westwood, Canton, Walpole, Foxborough and Milton, the Neponset
Reservoir Corporation, Tileston & Hollingsworth Company, Bird &
Son, Inc., Hollingsworth & Vose Company and the Neponset Valley
Trust.

Published Materials.

Materials known to exist, were gathered and compiled. The
material was used as background information and much of it was
incorporated into the study. Master plans of towns within the
drainage were used, studies of the Massachusetts Department of
Public Works, Metropolitan District Commission, Water Resources

8 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

Commission, Natural Resources and Division of Fisheries and Game
were examined and various material supplied by local conservation
commissions and private industry were incorporated into the study.

Personal Interviews.

Personal interviews were extensively used to get up-to-date in-
formation on matters affecting the Neponset River System from
private and governmental groups. The U. S. Soil Conservation
Service, through its district office in Norfolk County and the state
office in Amherst, were most helpful. It is impossible to thank each
individual and agency that gave freely of their time to make the
completion of the study possible. The study would have faced in-
surmountable problems without their assistance.

Field Studies.

Extensive examinations were made of the Fowl Meadow from
Quincy to Sharon by the study leader. On the request of the Wal-
pole Conservation Commission, Traphole Brock was examined in
detail. A field tour, under the joint sponsorship of local interests
and the Water Resources Commission, was held in the Fall of 1963,
to examine specific problems of land use, domestic and industrial
water supply problems, water pollution, conservation concerns,
stream dredging and Interstate 95 construction. Field technicians
of the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources were used
primarily to gather land use information.

Base Maps.

U. S. Geological Survey topographic maps, at a scale of 1 :24000 or
one inch equals 2,000 feet, were used to place land use material on,
from the various sources. A dot grid was used to determine acreages.
Aerial photographs taken in 1952 were felt to be too out of date to
be of much value. Study maps are on file with the Department of
Natural Resources. Maps included with the study are overlays of
topographic or road maps.

The History op the Neponset River Drainage.

This was an area of Indian settlement which, undoubtedly, was
due to abundant supplies of food and clothing provided by the
forests, streams, ponds and ocean. Early white settlers found
abundant supplies of wood for fuel and tanning, soils suitable for

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 9

the raising of crops, adequate water for domestic use and for power
and even supplies cf bog iron. Very early in the settlement of the
drainage, sections of the Neponset River and its tributaries were
dammed to provide adequate water for power. The East Branch
in Canton, the Neponset River in Walpole and the Mattapan-
Milton section of the river gave an adequate head of water for power
needs and ample supplies for processing. By the 1900's, agriculture
had begun a rapid decline and cheaper electric power made water-
power less important. However, the need for processing water in-
creased. The demand for land for residential purposes continued a
steady increase until after World War II. With the development of
Route 128 and the shift of industry from the city to the suburbs,
Milton, Dedham, Canton, Westwood, Norwood and Walpole became
involved in massive land development. With the development of
Route 24 and the Southeast Expressway, practically all towns within
the watershed began to lose large acreages of open land to residential
and industrial expansion. The Neponset River continues to be an
industrial river from Walpole to Milton due to industrial needs for
processing water. Pollution continues to be primarily waste ma-
terials of an organic and inorganic nature. The Neponset River
drainage system is an important part of domestic water systems of
all towns in the central and southern sections. Recreational needs
of most towns in the drainage area were adequately supplied by
large private ownerships which were seldom closed to general public
use and by the far-sighted acquisition of the Blue Hills Reservation
and the Neponset River Reservation.

A Description of the Neponset Valley Drainage Area.

The Neponset River drainage has the shape of a paper bag
clutched close to the top of the bag. The top of the bag is made up
of the tidal area leading into Dorchester Bay. Quincy, Milton and
the southeast portion of Boston make up this section. The clutched
section of the bag is made up of the narrow section extending from
Readville to Milton Lower Falls. The body of the bag is made up
of the communities of Dedham, Westwood, Dover, Medfield, Nor-
wood, Walpole, Foxborough, Sharon, Stoughtcn, Canton, Ran-
dolph and a portion of Milton.

The drainage area, excluding that portion which is included with
the flow through Mother Brook, is 124 square miles. If the Mother

10 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

Brook drainage (including the 66.2 square miles of the Charles
River watershed that is, under law, available to the Neponset
River) is added, the total drainage is 180.34 square miles. A large
portion of this drainage area is made up of swamps, marshes, streams
and ponds. In fact, the wetland acreage makes up 14 per cent of
the total land area within the drainage. This does not include the
tidal wetlands.

Fortunately, in most instances, the river slopes are slight to
moderate and the topography of the land is gently rolling. Only
in the vicinity of the Blue Hills is the slope steep for any distance.

The wetlands can be separated into three specific areas — the
tidal wetlands — the Fowl Meadow — ■ and the upland swamps
and ponds.

The soils of the drainage are, for the most part, gravels and sands,
or muck and peat mixtures. Outcroppings of bedrock appear to be
confined to areas in Dedham, Sharon, Milton and Canton. There
is even one unique outcrop of basalt in the Fowl Meadow south of
Dedham Street in Canton.

Residential concentrations, until recently, were centered around
industry and the commercial centers. This meant that south of
Route 128, such communities as Canton, Walpole and Norwood
were located close to the major tributaries and between the uplands
and the Fowl Meadow. The uplands were relatively undeveloped.
This picture is rapidly changing due to better road systems and the
pressures of population. Excluding Boston, the population of the
remaining towns within the drainage system was 242,000 in 1960.

Future Problems op the Neponset River Drainage.

Dredging of the Neponset River.

Under chapter 56 of the Resolves of 1955, authorization was given
to continue a study of the drainage problem of certain lands ad-
jacent to the Neponset River. The resulting report, known as House
document No. 3014, developed the engineering details and cost
estimates for deepening and widening of the Neponset River from
the Baker Chocolate plant to Traphole Brook in Norwood. The
work will cover approximately 10 miles through the Fowl Meadow.
The straightening of the channel will decrease the length of the river
from 9.3 to 7.8 miles through the Fowl Meadow. The existing
water level will be lowered 3 feet between Traphole Brook and the

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 11

Mattapan Mills dam. The normal channel will be widened from
Traphole Brook to Neponset Street to approximately 60 feet at a
minor flood level. The auxiliary flood channel to be developed on
both sides of the normal channel will increase the width to approxi-
mate^ 160 feet in this area. From Neponset Street to Milton
Street the normal channel will average 100 feet in width at a minor
flood level. The auxiliary flood channels will increase the overall
width to approximately 300 feet. It should be noted that the auxili-
ary channels will be at existing Fowl Meadow levels, for the most
part. No building or filling would be allowed within this stream, al-
teration area. With the loss of storage in the Fowl Meadow, the
peak flows will betwenty per cent higher. This means that twenty
per cent more water will Fave to 6"e~ released through the Mattapan
Mills dam to tidal areas east of Milton Lower Falls. It is proposed
that all excavated material will be placed behind the auxiliary
flood channel.1

It is interesting to note that the Engineer's Report attached to
House, No. 3014 of June, 1955, preceded the "Diane" storm of
1955 by approximately 3 months. Plotted against the bank profile
in the Engineer's Report, the water was approximately four feet
over the existing banks of the Neponset River.

The4ininwn__d£llajproject for flood control, which was a direct
result of House, NoT30147T955, is now under way. The first phase,
between the Walter Baker Chocolate Company and the Mattapan
Mills dam, is almost completed. This dredging, widening and
straightening project is expected to be completed by the summer
of 1965, to its terminus at Traphole Brook.

The most obvious effect of lowering the water level in the Fowl
Meadow throughout its entire length, will be to make the Fowl
Meadow more attractive for the development of industry. However,
this necessitates theHFemoval of peaT~whi^h~l?aries~ m depth from
one to thirty feet.2 The average depth may be more in the range of
five feet. Westwood, Canton and Norwood have zoned most of the
Fowl Meadow for industry. There is little doubt that the comple-
tion of Interstatej95 will make this area extremely attractive. The
greatest concentration of interest will be adjacent to the interchanges
at Neponset Street and Route 128. The following is the industrial
acreage potential by townships in the Fowl Meadow.

1 House, No. 3014, Report of a Joint Board on the Study of the Neponset River, June 30, 1955, pp. 8-21.

2 Notes from U. S. Geological Survey, Boston.

12 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

Industrial Acreage (Fowl Meadow).

Township. Acreage.

Canton 772

Westwood 86

Norwood 1,212

Total 2,070*

* This only includes that land in the Fowl Meadow below the 50 foot contour.

Assuming that the average depth of peat is 5 feet and that it will
have to be removed and replaced with solid fill, the amount of fill
would be 8,228 cubic yards per acre or 17 billion cubic yards to fill
2,070 acres. If industry wished to bring the ground level up to the
elevation of the auxiliary flood channel for additional protection, the
cubic yardage would have to be increased to 30 billion cubic yards.

In an interview with an industrial group representative, I was
informed that it was economically feasible to remove peat and re-
place with solid fill where peat depths did not exceed 6 feet. As
industrial land becomes more limited, it would be feasible to fill on
greater peat depths or place structures on piling.

It was also stated that to attempt to build on the peat, even if
covered with gravel fill, would be unsuitable for structure stability.

Surface run-off conditions will be altered considerably. The
ability of peat soils to hold water is well known. There is no question
that the limited flooding which has occurred in the Neponset drain-
age is due to the great acreage of such soils. The statement was
made in the Engineer's Report of House, No. 3014 that "This
natural storage acts in much the same manner to reduce flood peaks
as some of the artificially constructed flood-control reservoirs now
being built on some rivers."1

It is known that up to 75 per cent of industrially developed areas
will have 100 per cent run-off. This is due to the development of
structures, storage areas, roads and parking lots. As we can only
assume that it is possible to develop the entire Fowl Meadow, a to-
tal of 1,550 acres would be under some form of impervious material.
Again, if we assume a four-inch rainfall, as occurred in October,
1962, we find that 189 million gallons of water must be diverted into
the Neponset River in a period of hours. Under undisturbed
meadow conditions, a good portion of this would have been absorbed
and released into the river over a period of days or weeks. It should

' House, No. 3014 (1055) Engineer's Report p. 19.

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 13

also be noted that a storm of this magnitude would be released into
the river between Neponset Street, Canton and Route 128, a dis-
tance of approximately 3.2 miles. This volume of water is equivalent
to a 49-day supply for Tileston & Hollingsworth Company, which
depends on river flow for iudustrial water.

The effect on development on subsurface water volumes and flow
is much more difficult to determine. We can recognize that rapid
surface run-off will decrease subsurface volumes. The change from
peat to gravel fill may alter rate and volume of subsurface flows.
This is important, as Canton, Norwood and the Dedham Water
Company have wells in Che Meadow. The Dedham Water Com-
pany also supplies the town of Westwood with water. The 3 foot
reduction of water levels due to dredging and the possible reduc-
tion due to altered subsurface volumes and movement of water
could add to the reduction of available water supplies.

Wildlife and esthetic values of the Fowl Meadow will be drasti-
cally altered by the development of the Fowl Meadow from Route
128 to Neponset Street in Canton. Above and below this area,
which has been proposed as " Natural Area", or is publicly owned
by the Metropolitan District Commission, the reduction of water
levels by three feet will affect water-oriented forms of animal and
plant life.

Although large areas are now covered with grasses or sedges of
various types, there will be a conversion to aspen and other tree
forms which are dispersed by wind or birds. Many areas, now open
in character, will take on the form of a wooded swamp. It is possible
that large areas of purple loosestrife which have been spectacular
while in bloom, will diminish in area. Bird and animal species may
change, but other species that find the changed conditions of food
and cover acceptable, may replace the types found there today.

The straightening of the Neponset River, through the Fowl
Meadow, will effectively cut off some of the meanders of the exist-
ing river. It is planned to leave the downstream end of the cut-off
section open for better drainage of the marsh. It is possible to
dike both ends of such meanders and create suitable areas for water-
oriented wildlife. It would also be another means of storing water
temporarily. This would augment the sustained flow of water, so
important to industry, by allowing slow subsurface release of the
stored water into the river. The greatest number of meanders
occur from just south of Neponset Street to Canton Street. Al-

14 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

though this would create exceptional habitat for water-oriented
wildlife, the possibility of increased use cf the Norwood AirporjL-bv
company and commercial aircraft of propeller or jet propulsion
would create an increased hazard during take-off and landing.
However, there are possibilities of this nature south and north of
the area just discussed. The U. S. Soil Conservation Service, en
the request of the Massachusetts Zoological Society, developed a
plan for a series of ponds in the Neponset River Reservation. These
ponds would be used as a part of the exceptional educational pro-
gram of natural science education conducted by the Massachusetts
Zoological Society at the Trailside Museum in the Blue Hills Reser-
vation.

The development of these ponds would also serve to increase all
forms cf water-oriented wildlife. It is possible that the development
of the impoundments could be incorporated into the dredging and
straightening of the Neponset River in this section.

Interstate 95.

The Southwest Expressway, otherwise known as 1-95, will become
an actuality within the next two to three years, through the Fowl
Meadow to its junction with Route 128. It is proposed to extend
1-95 north of Route 128 to a connection with the Inner Belt and
thence to a connection with 1-95 north of Boston. This highway
will be the most direct route frcm the Boston metropolitan area to
the south. As a commercial and tourist route, 1-95 will be of the
greatest importance to the economy of Massachusetts from north
and south.

The Effect of 1-95 on the Neponset River.

Interstate 95, which is now under construction from Foxborough
to Neponset Street in Canton, will enter the Fowl Meadow, from the
south, adjacent to the Norwood-Sharon town line. It will proceed
northeasterly through the Fowl Meadow to an interchange approxi-
mately 1,000 feet west of the Neponset River at Neponset Street.
1-95 will then be extended in a northeasterly direction across the
Fowl Meadow to a point approximately 1,500 feet east of where the
Neponset River passes under Route 128. (See map.) An inter-
change will be developed at Route 128.

The most obvious change will be the amount of land needed to
develop the road-bed and interchanges. Below is the cxpented loss
based on 50 acres per mile for road-bed and 45 acres per interchange:

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 15

Land Use Change in Fowl Meadow (Due to 1-95).
Township. Acreage.

Sharon 35

Norwood 67

Canton 156

Total 258

The isolation of property by the development of 1-95 will create
problems for owners and for the township in which the land is
located. This is also coupled with land area being cut off by the
relocated river. The major problem is located in an area extending
from a point approximately 3,000 feet north of Neponset Street to
the southernmost point of contact of 1-95 and the Fowl Meadow
in Norwood. (See map.) Below is a summary of isolated land area
created by 1-95 :

Isolated Land Area by Township.

Township. Acreage.

Sharon 160

Norwood 53

Canton 3*

Total 216

* The relocated river at Neponset Street will isolate an additional 37 acres.

The effect of 1-95 on subsurface and surface drainage may be of
some magnitude. As the peat will have to be removed and solid
fill used for the road base, the result will be an earthen dike approxi-
mately 3.8 miles in length from its southernmost contact with the
Fowl Meadow" to its junction with Route 128. The extent of altera-
tion of surface and subsurface drainage is difficult to determine
due to the lack of knowledge of drainage patterns. However, we
can assume that most drainage is from the sides of the Meadow to
the Neponset River and from south to north along the entire Fowl
Meadow.

South of Neponset Street, the surface drainage will be divided in
half by 1-95. From Neponset Street to the junction of 1-95, with
upland just south of Dedham Street in Canton, a dike of approxi-
mately 4,000 feet will be placed across the Meadows in a northeast-
southwest direction. Subsurface drainage east of 1-95, in this sec-
tion, may be impeded. The effect on the wells, just south of Dedham

16 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

Street and west of 1-95 in Canton, cannot be determined, but they
should be watched carefully for reduction of water levels. Between
Dedham Street, Canton, and Route 128, 1-95 will create a 3,000
feet dike. East of 1-95 and west of Elm Street, there are 100 acres
of wooded swamp which may develop impeded drainage. It also
reduces the old flocd plain by approximately 50 per cent. Ponka-
poag Brook and two smaller tributaries flow from east to west
through this area. Unless properly cared for, minor flooding could
occur east of_I-95. This area is zoned as industrial land_by~the
Canton Master Plan.1

Interstate 95 {North of Route 128).

There is no question that the pressure for more adequate access
to Boston from the south will demand the extension of 1-95 from
Route 128 to a junction with the Inner Belt. It will also create
some major problems in the Neponset River Reservation. The
recommended location for the extension of 1-95 north oF~Route 128,
as noted in Excerpts from Inner Belt and Expressway System,
Boston Metropolitan Area 1962, Southwest Expressway Study
Lines — Sheet #1,2 will create a division of the Neponset River
Reservation, with the resulting isolation of land area and possible
alteration of surface and subsurface drainage.

The recommended route of 1-95 will isolate approximately 220
acres of Reservation west of 1-95 and east of the river. This area is
between Rcute 128 and the Milton-Canton town line. Unless
access can be developed on Route 128 east of the river, or by some
form of tunnel under 1-95, a large tract of public land will be isolated
from all but limited pubhc use. Recreation, natural science educa-
tion, forest fire suppression, stream maintenance, cr M.D.C. sewer
line maintenance, will be impossible.

Access should be a part of the design of this portion of 1-95. It
should be designed to accommodate vehicles required to undertake
maintenance or forest fire suppression work. A roadway, new in
existence across the Reservation, would be a logical position for the
access under 1-95. Rapid control of fires in the Reservation will be
most important to protect driver visibility on 1-95. As most fires
are backed by west or southwest winds, any fire developing west of
the road will become a hazard to public safety along the entire
length of 1-95 from Norwood to Readvillc. The lowering of the

1 1959 Master Plan, Summary Report (Canton), Allen Benjamin.

2 A Joint Venture Report by llayden, Earding & Muchanan, Inc., and Maguire & Associates.

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 17

water level in the Fowl Meadow will create more fuels which will
dry out more rapidly than before. It has been found that divided
highways are not a complete deterrent to forest fire spread, as
evidenced by the Plymouth fire of 1955 which jumped Route 3
with ease.

The private property, which will be isolated by the recommended
route location in the Neponset River Reservation (see map) , should
be acquired by the Metropolitan District Commission or by the
Department of Public Works. The upland, consisting of 44 acres,
would be of little value to the private property owners. However,
it could be used as a scenic rest area for the south-bound lane of 1-95.
The elevation of 110 feet would create a natural observation point
for the Neponset River Valley. If the design of the recommended
route north cf Route 128 has not considered the lowering of the
road elevation where it passes through a section of upland along
the eastern side of the Neponset River Reservation, it would appear
to be desirable for the protection of private property values between
1-95 and Green Street, Canton. Adequate depression of the road
surface would create a noise buffer and eliminate the sight of traffic.

East of 1-95 and northeast of the interchange at Route 128, an
area of 13 acres of Blue Hills Reservation will be isolated. Impeded
drainage may occur in the portion within the Fowl Meadow. It is
recommended that the area remain in Metropolitan District Com-
mission ownership, to protect esthetics of the interchange and as a
buffer against traffic noise for private property to the east.

Norwood Airport.

The Norwood Airport, located west of the Neponset River in the
Fowl Meadow, has the potential for handling aircraft of larger size.
The existing runways are 4,000 feet in length, but the Master Plan
for the facility calls for the extension of the runways to a total of
6,000 feet in length. The extension would make it possible for short-
range jet aircraft to use the airport. The Massachusetts Aero-
nautics Commission informed this study that it strongly urges that
there be no building within 2,500 feet of the end cf the runways,
due to the extreme noise problem involved with jet aircraft. It
would also be a safety factor involved in case cf an accident. It
was believed, by this study, that a protective strip bordering the
entire length of the north-south runway on the westerly side should
be maintained as a noise-buffer area. To the east, the same sort of
buffer strip should be maintained to the Neponset River. To the

18 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

north, a noise buffer should be maintained to the 50-fcot contour
north of Purgatory Brook. The fact that Airport officials have the
right to acquire by eminent-domain, suggests that adequate land be
acquired soon to insure that such land will remain protected against
development. The acquisition of this section of the Fowl Meadow
would mean the protection of an extremely important water-hold-
ing areaTof the JNeponset Kiver Hf ainage system. This area would
comprise approximately 440 acres of wetland. It should be noted
that the airport will become an important part of the industrial
complex developing south and west of Boston. It will make it
possible for executives to visit plants with a minimum of delay in
time and expense.

Pollution in the Fowl Meadow Area.

The pollution in the Neponset River through the Fowl Meadow
is directly due to Bird & Son and Hollingsworth & Vose, in Waipole.
The Foxborough State Hospital also contributes in a limited way to
the pollution of the river. Most of the solid waste materials from
both industrial plants go into the trunk sewer of the M.D.C. How-
ever, to provide adequate industrial processing water for Tileston &
Hollingsworth Company at Mattapan, there has to be at least a
daily flow of 6 million gallons. It is believed by some industrial
representatives, that for any future expansion of production, it will
require additional sources of water.

The logical treatment cf such wastes from Bird & Son and Hol-
lingsworth & Vose, would be to treat the waste water below Hol-
lingsworth & Vose. However, Hollingsworth & Vose would still be
expending considerable sums to improve the water, which is waste
water from Bird & Son, just up stream. The possible piping of waste
from Bird & Sen to below Hollingsworth & Vose, would improve the
water quality for Hollingsworth & Vose, but it might seriously alter
the volume of water now needed by Hollingsworth & Vose for
processing water. If water of sufficient volume could be assured,
it would be theoretically feasible to develop treatment. However,
until some solution is found which would be economically feasible,
the Neponset River, below Bird & Son, will continue to be an in-
dustrial river. This will limit the use of the river to the disposal of
sewage and its increasing role as a storm sewer. This is not to say
that more stringent health regulations, or the future disappearance
of industry demanding water for processing, may decidedly improve
the river at some time in the future.

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 19

Public Hunting.

The stocking of pheasants in the Canton meadow has been carried
on for three to four years by the Division of Fisheries and Game.
However, the construction of Interstate 95 and the resultant devel-
opment of industry, will eliminate a considerable acreage for public
hunting. This will mean that the existing heavy pressure on this
area will be transferred to some other section of the commonwealth.

Upland Considerations.

In the Fowl Meadow, we have been working with an area rela-
tive1 y untouched. In the uplands of the Neponset River drainage,
we are working with an area which has been under development for
at least 300 years. However, the greatest change in land use is now
under-way. Large areas of agricultural and wooded land are ideally
suited for hcuse sites. It has been estimated by many of the planners
for the towns in the drainage that saturation for development will
come some time around the year 2000. Needs for domestic water,
sewage disposal, waste disposal, roads and recreation lands, are
already creating major problems.

Water Considerations.

There are only three communities within the drainage area that
are on the Metropolitan District Supply. The water consumption
for 1960 was as follows:

Community.

Population (1960).

Average Daily.
Gallons. Gallons Per Cap.-

Milton

26,375

2,122,200 80

Norwood .

24,898

3,158,200 129

Quincy

87,409

9,025,100 103

Total .

. 138,322

14,305,500

The remaining towns are dependent on community supplies or
individual supplies. The following is a partial list of water use:

Community.

Population (1960).

Average Daily.

Gallons. Gallons Per Cap

Canton

12,771

1,455,000 114

Declham & Westwood

34,223

2,821,000 82

Foxborough

10,136

1,385,006 136

Medfield .

6,021

369,000 59

Sharon

10,070

704,000 70

Stoughton .

16,328

1,551,100 95

Walpole

14,068

1,730,000 123

20 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

It is interesting to note that Canton, Stcughton, Walpole, West-
wood and Dedham are on the Metropolitan Sewer System. This
means that a good portion ot the water drawn from local sources is
released into the M.D.C. sewer system. In fact, 70 per cent of the
average daily consumption of the above eight towns is released into
the sewer system. This is a daily loss of 70 per cent of possible re-
charge of ground water supplies.

Within the next few years, Sharon and Foxborough will develop
sewage systems to handle increased populations. In Sharon, it
will be possible to become part of the M.D.C. sewer system. Fox-
borough will undoubtedly develop facilities which do not drain into
the Neponset River drainage area. This will mean that 95 per cent
of the possible recharge of ground water will not be available.

With the increase of surface run-off from roads, parking areas,
buildings and other impervious materials and the increased consump-
tion of water from ground water supplies, there may be some very
serious deficiencies in the future. This will include deficiencies of
stream flow, especially during drought conditions. The demand for
the drainage of swamps for reduction of mosquito problems, will be
another means of decreasing the subsurface storage.

The possibility that certain wet areas will be considered for san-
itary waste disposal within the drainage area means possible re-
duction of ground water storage. The possibility of contamination
of drainage waters will reduce or eliminate stream and pond potential
as recreation areas. It could be a source of contamination of do-
mestic water supplies that are associated with a particular drainage
area.

Flooding and Sustained Flows.

The increased development of land, the increased need for do-
mestic water, the enroachment of the flood plains of the tributaries
and the filling of natural storage areas, will increase the peak flows
of the tributaries of the Neponset River and, therefore, the peak
flows of the Neponset River. Below is a summary of the wetlands
taken from topographic maps :

Upland Wetlands.

Township. Per Cent of Total. Acreage.

Quincy ....". 1 100

Milton 3 192

Canton 26 1,635

Randolph .... 1 62

1964.1

HOUSE — No. 3567.

21

Stoughton

5

Sharon .

18

Foxborough

5

Walpole .

25

Medfield

5

Dover

3

Norwood

2

Westwood

6

Total

100

329
1,085
333
1,551
362
186
112
397

6,344

It should be noted that there is additional acreage of wetland in
the flood plains of the tributaries, but in some instances, it does not
shew on the topographic maps. These areas would add to the total,
but the tctal effect cannot be estimated.

In addition to wetlands, there are a number of natural and man-
made ponds which also add to the total water storage capacity of
the Neponset drainage. The following is the acreage of impounded
water determined by the use of a dotgrid.

Upland Open

Water.

Township. Number of Ponds.

Per Cent of Total

Acres.

Acreage.

Quincy

1

1

14

Milton

8

2

37

Randolph .

2

6

104

Canton

20

23

407

Stoughton .

8

3

60

Sharon

11

23

425

Foxborough

7

20

353

Walpole

33

16

297

Medfield .

9

1

24

Westwood .

4

3

39

Norwood

6

2

36

Total

109

100

1,796

Very little of the acreage shown here as Open Water of Upland
Wetland, is in public ownership at this time. The Neponset Reser-
voir Company, made up of Kendall Company, Bird & Son, Hcllings-
worth & Vose and Tileston & Hollingsworth, control the Neponset
Reservoir, Boydtn Pond and Willet Pond.

The tributaries feeding the Neponset River are most important
from the standpoint of storm drains, recreation, water supply,
dilution water and as open space. The increasing pressure on exist-
ing wetlands for development, will mean that the tributaries will

22

HOUSE — No. 3567.

[Apr.

have to carry higher peak flows with more constricted stream chan-
nels and flood plains. The chances of property damage and in-
creased public safety and health problems,, are great. Very little is
being done to correct the problems now developing.

It is interesting to note that 6.2 million dollars have been spent
by communities and state and federal agencies in the past ten years
to protect against flooding. Although it was impossible to determine
specifically, very little money has been expended to protect a natural
drainage system by the acquisition of flood plain and wetland areas.
Unless something is done on a drainage-wide basis, the streams of
this drainage system will be subject to increasingly expensive flood
protection measures. There is no question that additional flood
protection measures will be needed, but these measures would be less
expensive if some attempt was made to protect the natural storage
areas.

There should be consideration of a study of the Neponset River
drainage system by the U. S. Soil Conservation Service, due to the
potential of storage in the uplands for flood control, industrial water,
domestic water supply recharge and recreation. Following is a
summary of possible impoundments, based on topographic map
examinations. The acreages are based on the existing wetland.
Work maps are on file with the Department of Natural Resources.
As many of the topographic maps are not of recent making, and as
no up-to-date aerial photographs were available, it may be found
that many sites will have to be eliminated for no ether reason than
encroachment by development.

Possible Impoundment Sites.

Township. Number of Sites.

Acreage

Quincy
Milton .

3
1

42

7

Canton .

11

770

Randolph
Stoughton
Sharon

7
12

177

467

Foxborough
Walpole .
Medfield .

5

12

1

137

1,264
52

Dover

3

158

Norwood .

1

76

Westwood

7

179

Total

63

3,329

1964.

HOUSE — No. 3567.

23

Due to topography, development or general imsuitability of site,
an additional 70 sites were considered to be questionable. If we
consider that all ol the possible impoundment sites were developed,
and that only one foot of water was to be stored temporarily, the
minimum gallonage impounded would be 1.2 billion gallons.

If flood protection and industrial water were coupled with rec-
reation water for boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, ice skating
and ice boating, the values could be worth a great deal to the com-
munities and the Neponset drainage area.

The protection of the tributaries of the Neponset River will have
to become a co-ordinated undertaking of towns within the drainage.
Unless there is a co-ordinated approach, downstream towns will
suffer damage which will be reflected in increased tax rates, lowered
property values and greater public health and safety hazards. It
will also mean greater financial and technical aid demanded of state
and federal agencies. Below are the sub-watersheds of the Neponset
River and the towns which need to take co-ordinated action towards
protection.

Sub-Watersheds.
Watershed.

1. Purgatory Brook

(Plantingfield Brook) .

2. Germany Brook

3. Hawes Brook

(Mill Brook & Bubbling Brook)

4. Mine Brook

(Mill Brook) (Medfield) and (Tubwreck)

5. Unnamed Brook

(Enters north end of Cobbs Pond).

6. Xeponset Piver

(Portion south of Elm Street, Walpole) .

7. Spring Brook

8. Traphole Brook

9. Unnamed Brook

(Bullard Street to Fowl Meadow) .

10. East Branch

(Massapoag, Devil, Beaver, Steep Hill,
Redwing, York and Pequid Brooks).

11. Pecunit Brook

12. Ponkapoag Brook

13. Pine Tree Brook

14. Unquity Brook

Towns Involved.
Norwood, Westwood

Norwood, Westwood
Norwood, Walpole, Westwood,

Dover.
Walpole. Medfield, Dover

Walpole

Walpole, Foxborough, Sharon

Walpole, Sharon
Norwood, Walpole, Sharon
Sharon

Sharon, Stoughton, Canton,
Randolph

Canton

Canton, Randolph
Milton, Quincy
Milton

Plantingfield, Traphole, Unnamed Brook (Sharon) and Ponka-
poag Brooks, are typical of a serious problem. They lack adequate

24.

HOUSE — No. 3587.

[Apr.

upstream storage, have limited flood plain, have a moderate slope,
and existing and future land development are encroaching on the
flood plain and stream banks, thus adding to peak flows.

Upland V/ildlife Considerations.

Many of the tributaries, such as Traphole Brook and Massapoag
Brock, are stocked with trout by the Massachusetts Division of
Fisheries and Game. Those ponds with public access, such as the
Neponset Reservoir, provide a great need for increased leisure time
activity. The towns open to public hunting provide a variety of
game for the hunting public.

The encroachment on upland, as well as wetland areas, is rapidly
removing this form of recreaticn activity for local people. De-
creased stream flow, increased stream pollution, filling of wetlands
and the reduction of suitable acreage by roads, residential and in-
dustrial development and restrictive community regulations, will
alter this form of enjoyment for young and old alike.

Tidal Wetland Considerations.

At the mouth of the Neponset River are a series of tidal marshes.
The greatest acreage is on the south side of the Neponset River, in
Milton and Quincy. The following is a breakdown of tidal marshes
by location :

Tidal Marshes.

Location.
South of Neponset River between
Hancock Street and Quincy-Milton
town line.

Milton-Quincy town line to South-
east Expressway.

Southeast Expressway to Milton
Lower Falls (south of river).
Granite Avenue, towards Milton
Lower Falls (north side of river) .

Township.
Quincy

Milton
Milton
Boston

Acreage
97

47

97

47

These tidal marshes are considered to be cf high waterfowl value
by the U S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
in their publication, "Wetlands of Massachusetts" (Revised 1959).
These marshes provide a protected resting area for many ducks and
other water-oriented birds.

These marshes are also the first relatively undisturbed wetlands
of a marine nature; that travelers on the Southeast Expressway can
observe when traveling south. The marshes also provide a natural

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 25

separation between a "commercial " Boston side and a "residential"
or "urban" side in Milton and Quinc}r. It is mcst important to
maintain this separation from the viewpoint of property values.

Increased run-off from the Neponset River, if it were to coincide
with excessively high tides, might increase the water Jevels along the
entire tidal area from Milton Lower Falls to Hancock Street in
Quincy.

The educational value of this marsh cannot be over-emphasized.
Its proximity to local schools and to the many colleges and universi-
ties within the Boston area, make possible its use for study. The
increased interest by public agencies in the marine environment,
could make this an area for pure and applied research in a metro-
politan environment.

Recommendations.

It is recommended that chapter 631, Acts of 1956, section 1 be
amended tc include the towns of Milton, Dedham, Westwood,
Norwood and Canton, for the following reasons :

1. Interstate 95, upon its completion, will be a commercial and
tourist route of prime importance. It will be linked with the large
metropolitan areas of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New
Jersey and ether states to the south. It will eventually be linked
with states to the north and the eastern provinces of Canada.

2 This Radial Route, like the spoke of a wheel eminating from
the Hub, is a means of presenting an Image of Massachusetts as
Massachusetts would like to see an image presented i.e., a combina-
tion of scenery which the Neponset River meadows and the Blue
Hills would present, an expanding industrial complex tastefully
developed, an urban area well cared for, a spectacular view of the
changing skyline of Boston (including the Prudential Tower) and
historic features of interest along the entire route.

3. It will effectively develop an open space separation of com-
munities which will protect recreation, water and land values of all
adjoining towns.

It is recommended that a study be made by the Massachusetts
Department of Natural Resources as to the advisability of desig-
nating other major Radial Routes between Route 128 and the
Massachusetts Bay Circuit as part of section 1, chapter 631, Acts
of 1956. The following major routes might be considered in this
study :

26 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr.

1. Routes 3, 24, 93, 95, 90 and 2 to their junction with Interstate
495.

It is recommended that the communities of Westwood, Canton,
Sharon, Norwood and Walpole, the Norwood Airport authorities
industrial groups and the Department of Natural Resources explore
the possibilities of a co-operative venture in the acquisition of open
space under Title VII of the Housing Act of 1961 in the Fowl
Meadow from Route 128 to Sharon for the following reasons:

1. To promote the formation of distinctive, cohesive communities
which can be served effectively by municipal services and facilities.

2. To define better the boundaries of metropolitan areas.

3. To preserve a natural environment near urban and suburban
development for relief from extensive urbanization.

4. To protect distinctive geologic, botanic, historic and scenic
sites.

5. To protect an area for recreation in a variety of forms.

6. To protect water supply, water storage and stream flow.

7. To minimize the damage from flooding.

It is recommend that a Memorandum of Understanding be
developed between the Massachusetts Department of Natural
Resources, the Metropolitan District Commission and the Massa-
chusetts Department of Public Works relative to the following:

1. The retention of natural values for scenery, wildlife, water
storage, water supply and open space in the construction of roads
where Commonwealth and/or federal funds are a part of the costs
of planning and development.

2. The retention and enhancement of natural values for scenic,
wildlife, water storage, water supply, recreation and open space in
the alteration of waterways where Commonwealth funds are a part
of planning and/or construction costs.

It is recommended that sufficient monies be allocated to the
Department of Public Health to develop pollution classifications
for inter-community streams.

It is recommended that the Metropolitan District Commission
acquire those portions of tidal wetlands on the south side of the
Neponset River between the eastern boundary of the existing
Neponset River Reservation adjacent to the Southeast Expressway
and Hancock Street to protect public safety, to provide a natural
division of communities, to provide a torm of passive recreation,
wildlife resting and rearing area, a natural science educational

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1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 27

area, to provide a marine research area and to protect a valuable
scenic area of a marine environment.

It is recommended that a co-operative venture be explored by
all communities in the Neponset drainage under the Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention Act, Public Law 566, 83rd Con-
gress, as amended, to solve local water-management and flood pre-
vention problems. This Act gives the Secretary of Agriculture the
authority to give technical and financial aid to local organizations in
planning and carrying cut works of improvement for (1) flood
prevention, (2) agricultural water management, including irrigation
and drainage; (3) nonagricultural water management, including
municipal and industrial water supply; and (4) recreational or
multiple use considerations connected with impoundments.

It is recommended that communities within the Neponset drain-
age seriously consider the development of comprehensive soils
studies by the U. S. Soil Conservation Service on a cost-sharing
basis between the community and the U. S. Soil Conservation
Service, or consultants qualified to undertake such studies.

Such studies will give the suitability of soils of the community
for roads, gravel and sands, septic sewage disposal, industrial parks,
housing and school sites and natural areas, and should precede any
final zoning action by the communities concerned.

It is recommended that the establishment of Flood Plain or
Conservancy Districts be explored by all communities within tne
N epoflset drainag^~a^cT^haT^u^1rclistrtcts~be ^"co-ordmatecFunder-
taking of communities on any particular sub-watershed of the Ne-
ponset drainage. The establishment of such districts would protect
water storage, water supply, public safety and other natural resource
considerations of the entire sub-watershed.

It is recommended that the Norfolk Conservation District es-
tablish a regional committee of Conservation Commissions within
the Neponset drainage to consider matters of a watershed nature.

It is recommended that those sections of Sharon, Norwood and
Canton physically isolated by Interstate 95 and the relocation of the
Neponset River be designated and acquired as natural areas. Such
action would eliminate the problems of public safety and the high
cost of providing services to such isolated areas.

It is recommended that the filling of wetlands for housing de-
velopment or as sanitary land fill for waste disposal should be re-
duced to a minimum. The reduction of water storage, the possi-

28

HOUSE — No. 3567.

[Apr.

bility of pollution and the destruction of natural values can only
result in increased costs to the community.

A Pkoposal for Open Space in the Fowl Meadow.

Objective.

The objective of the proposal is to protect the Fowl Meadow for
the purposes of flood protection, water supply, water storage, aug-
mented stream flow, public health, industrial water, public safety,
geologic, botanic and scenic sites, preservation of a natural en-
vironment near urban and suburban development, maintenance of
the identity of communities and passive recreation opportunities.

Location of the Proposal.

The proposed Open Space area is an area south of Route 128 to
the southernmost point of the Fowl Meadow in Sharon and Nor-
wood. (See map.) Areas have been selected on the basis of the ob-
jectives already stated. All boundaries are based on the 50 foot
contour or logical physical boundaries.

The following is a summary of approximate acreages by township
that should be needed to develop the ultimate proposal.

Acreage by Location.

Township.

Location.

Acreage,

Westwood

Route 128 to Dedham Street and

east of railroad tracks.

51

Canton .

Route 128 to Dedham Street and

west of Interstate 95

104

Canton .

South of Dedham Street to junction
of river and Interstate 95 (west of

Interstate 95).

140

Canton .

North of Neponset Street and east

of Interstate 95.

70

Canton .

South of Neponset Street and east

of Interstate 95.

212

Sharon .

East of Interstate 95

75

Sharon .

West of Interstate 95

162

Norwood

West of Interstate 95 and south of

Neponset Street.

147

Norwood

East of Interstate 95 and south of

Neponset Street.

4

1964.] HOUSE — No. 3567. 29

Norwood . . East of Interstate 95 and north of

Neponset Street. 27

Norwood . . West of Interstate 95 and north of 403

Neponset Street.

Total 1395

The summary of total acreage by townships is as follows:

Summary by Townships.
Township. Acreage.

Westwood 51

Canton 526

Sharon 237

Norwood 581

Total ... ... 1395

Existing Public Ownership.

In the Fowl Meadow, Norwood owns approximately 70 acres for
protection of their wells on Purgatory Brook. The Norwood Airport
owns approximately 470 acres as shown on topographic maps.
Canton owns approximately 16 acres as town forest south of Ne-
ponset Street. This acreage was determined for only that area
below the 50 foot contour.

Proposed Methcd of Acquisition.

It is suggested that consideration be given to a co-operative ven-
ture of industry communities, Norwood Airport authorities and the
Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources. The Open Space
Program under Title VII of the Housing Act of 1961 should be
explored as a means of defraying the expense of acquisition b}^
possibly 30 per cent.

A possible suggestion of co-operative acquisition might be for
Canton to acquire those lands south of Neponset Street to be added
to the town forest, Sharon to acquire that land east of Interstate 95,
Norwood to acquire those lands south of Neponset Street and west
of the junction of Neponset Street and Traphole Brook, the Nor-
wood Airport authorities to acquire those lands necessary to protect
an expanded airport including the glide paths for aircraft and for
noise abatement and the Department of Natural Resources to co-
operate with industrial groups and all towns to acquire those lands
to be isolated by dredging and those lands adjacent to the Neponset
River of general public concern.

30 HOUSE — No. 3567. [Apr. 1964.

Scenic Values.

The acquisition of this area would protect the scenic value of 6.3
miles of Interstate 95 from Sharon to Milton Street in Milton.

Stream Relocation.

It is suggested that consideration be given tc the relocaticn of the
East Branch for the purpose of straightening the river for flood
protection. Its relocation to the south would add approximately 47
acres to the industrial land south of Neponset Street. The relocated
length would be 2,000 feet or 2;600 feet less than now exists.

Existing Industry.

Those industries existing as of this date, within the proposed
open space area, should be exempt from any proposal for acquisition.

Need for Action.

Action on such a proposal should be immediate. It is estimated
that total industrial development could occur in 7 to 10 years.

Respectfully submitted,

BRUCE S. GULLION,

Director, Division of Conservation Services.

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